23+ Delicious Cast Iron Dutch Oven Recipes for Camping

Camping meals don’t have to be boring or complicated, especially when you have a cast iron Dutch oven in your gear.

This timeless piece of cookware is perfect for outdoor cooking, offering versatility, durability, and excellent heat retention.

Whether you’re simmering stews, baking breads, or roasting meats, a Dutch oven makes it easy to prepare delicious, hearty meals right over the campfire.

In this collection of 23+ cast iron Dutch oven camping recipes, you’ll find a variety of simple yet flavorful dishes designed to fuel your adventures and impress your camping crew.

From classic comfort foods to creative one-pot wonders, these recipes showcase how your Dutch oven can elevate your camp cooking game.

23+ Delicious Cast Iron Dutch Oven Recipes for Camping

Exploring these 23+ cast iron Dutch oven camping recipes is a great way to make your outdoor meals more enjoyable and stress-free.

Each recipe is tailored for the campfire setting, focusing on easy preparation and minimal cleanup without sacrificing flavor or nutrition.

Whether you’re a seasoned camper or just starting out, mastering these dishes will enhance your outdoor experience and provide satisfying, wholesome meals that everyone will love.

With your Dutch oven by your side, you’re ready to create memorable campfire feasts that combine convenience with mouthwatering taste.

Campfire Chili

This hearty campfire chili is a classic camping recipe perfect for cooking in a cast iron Dutch oven over open flames.

It’s packed with ground beef, beans, tomatoes, and spices, delivering a rich, warming meal after a day of outdoor adventures.

The Dutch oven’s thick walls and heavy lid keep the heat steady, allowing the chili to simmer slowly and develop deep, satisfying flavors.

• Ingredients:
  • Ground beef
  • Onion, chopped
  • Garlic, minced
  • Canned kidney beans, drained
  • Canned diced tomatoes
  • Chili powder
  • Cumin
  • Salt and pepper
• Instructions:
  Heat the Dutch oven over campfire coals. Brown the ground beef with onions and garlic, breaking it apart as it cooks. Add beans, tomatoes, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir well, cover with the lid, and place Dutch oven among hot coals, adding some coals on the lid to maintain even heat. Let simmer gently for about an hour, stirring occasionally, until flavors meld and chili thickens.

This recipe is ideal for campers who want a robust, filling meal that’s easy to prepare with minimal equipment.

The Dutch oven’s ability to evenly distribute heat makes it perfect for simmering chili over campfires.

Campfire Dutch Oven Breakfast Casserole

This breakfast casserole is a delicious, hearty way to start a camping day.

Made with eggs, sausage, cheese, and vegetables, it cooks evenly in a cast iron Dutch oven and can be prepared over campfire coals or a portable stove.

The slow, consistent heat produces a fluffy, savory casserole that feeds a hungry group with ease.

• Ingredients:
  • Breakfast sausage, cooked and crumbled
  • Eggs
  • Milk
  • Shredded cheese
  • Bell peppers, diced
  • Onions, chopped
  • Salt and pepper
• Instructions:
  Prepare the sausage and sauté vegetables in the Dutch oven over campfire heat. In a bowl, whisk eggs and milk together, then mix in cheese, cooked sausage, and veggies. Pour mixture into the Dutch oven and cover with lid. Place Dutch oven over coals, with additional coals on top for even cooking. Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the eggs are fully set and the casserole is golden on top.

This recipe offers campers a nutritious, filling breakfast that’s simple to prepare and perfect for feeding a group after a chilly morning outdoors.

Dutch Oven Campfire Beef Stew

This classic beef stew cooked in a cast iron Dutch oven is a camping favorite for its comforting, hearty flavors and easy preparation.

Tender beef chunks simmer with potatoes, carrots, onions, and herbs in a rich broth that’s perfect after a long day outside.

The Dutch oven’s thick walls ensure even cooking over campfire coals, locking in moisture and flavor.

• Ingredients:
  • Beef stew meat, cubed
  • Potatoes, peeled and chopped
  • Carrots, sliced
  • Onion, chopped
  • Garlic, minced
  • Beef broth
  • Worcestershire sauce
  • Salt and pepper
  • Fresh thyme or dried herbs
• Instructions:
  Brown the beef in the Dutch oven over hot coals, then add onions and garlic to sauté. Add potatoes, carrots, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, herbs, salt, and pepper. Stir, cover with the lid, and nestle the Dutch oven among campfire coals, placing some on the lid as well. Let simmer for two hours or until beef is tender and vegetables are cooked through, stirring occasionally.

This stew is an excellent campfire meal that offers warmth, nourishment, and robust flavor.

It’s simple to make and ideal for enjoying around the campfire with friends or family.

Campfire Jambalaya

This flavorful jambalaya recipe is perfect for cooking in a cast iron Dutch oven while camping.

It combines rice, sausage, chicken, and spices into a hearty, spicy one-pot meal that warms you up after a day outdoors.

The Dutch oven’s even heat distribution allows the ingredients to cook thoroughly and develop rich, layered flavors over the campfire.

• Ingredients:
  • Andouille sausage, sliced
  • Chicken thighs, diced
  • Onion, bell pepper, and celery, chopped
  • Garlic, minced
  • Cajun seasoning
  • Long-grain rice
  • Chicken broth
  • Crushed tomatoes
• Instructions:
  Brown the sausage and chicken in the Dutch oven over hot coals. Add onion, bell pepper, celery, and garlic; sauté until softened. Stir in Cajun seasoning, rice, chicken broth, and crushed tomatoes. Cover with the lid and place Dutch oven among coals, with some coals on top to maintain heat. Simmer for about 40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until rice is tender and liquid absorbed.

This jambalaya is a fantastic camping dish, bringing bold, comforting flavors to the campfire with minimal cleanup.

Dutch Oven Campfire Pot Roast

This classic pot roast recipe is ideal for slow-cooking in a cast iron Dutch oven on a camping trip.

Tender beef is braised with vegetables and herbs in a savory broth, producing a melt-in-your-mouth meal perfect for cool evenings outdoors.

The Dutch oven’s heavy lid traps moisture and heat, ensuring the roast stays juicy and flavorful.

• Ingredients:
  • Beef chuck roast
  • Carrots, peeled and cut
  • Potatoes, chopped
  • Onion, sliced
  • Garlic cloves
  • Beef broth
  • Fresh rosemary and thyme
  • Salt and pepper
• Instructions:
  Season the roast with salt and pepper, then brown it on all sides in the Dutch oven over campfire coals. Remove the roast and sauté onions and garlic. Return the roast to the pot, add carrots, potatoes, beef broth, and herbs. Cover and nestle the Dutch oven in hot coals, placing coals on top as well. Cook low and slow for several hours until the beef is tender and vegetables are cooked through.

This pot roast recipe highlights the Dutch oven’s ability to transform tougher cuts of meat into tender, delicious meals with simple campfire cooking techniques.

Dutch Oven Campfire Breakfast Hash

This easy breakfast hash is a perfect start to any camping day.

It combines diced potatoes, sausage, onions, and peppers cooked together in a cast iron Dutch oven over the campfire, creating a savory, satisfying dish that’s quick and simple to prepare.

• Ingredients:
  • Breakfast sausage, crumbled
  • Potatoes, diced
  • Onion, chopped
  • Bell peppers, diced
  • Garlic, minced
  • Salt and pepper
  • Fresh parsley for garnish
• Instructions:
  Brown the sausage in the Dutch oven over campfire coals, then remove and set aside. Add potatoes, onions, peppers, and garlic to the pot and cook until potatoes are tender and vegetables softened. Return sausage to the pot, stir to combine, and cook a few more minutes to meld flavors. Season with salt and pepper, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve.

This breakfast hash is a great way to fuel up in the morning with minimal prep and cleanup, showcasing the Dutch oven’s versatility for hearty camping meals.

Dutch Oven Campfire Spaghetti

This simple spaghetti recipe is perfect for campfire cooking using a cast iron Dutch oven.

Combining pasta, ground beef, tomatoes, and Italian seasoning, it’s a comforting and easy-to-make meal that requires minimal equipment and cleanup.

The Dutch oven ensures even cooking, allowing flavors to meld perfectly over the fire.

• Ingredients:
  • Ground beef
  • Onion, chopped
  • Garlic, minced
  • Spaghetti noodles
  • Canned crushed tomatoes
  • Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper
  • Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
• Instructions:
  Brown the ground beef with onions and garlic in the Dutch oven over campfire coals. Add crushed tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, stirring well. Add spaghetti noodles and enough water to cover. Cover with the lid and cook, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and sauce has thickened. Sprinkle with Parmesan before serving if desired.

This recipe is ideal for campers wanting a classic pasta dish that’s easy to prepare and cook right over the campfire using a Dutch oven.

Dutch Oven Campfire Cornbread

This moist and slightly sweet cornbread is a favorite camping side dish made easily in a cast iron Dutch oven.

Using simple ingredients, it bakes evenly over campfire coals, resulting in a golden crust and tender crumb that complements any campfire meal.

• Ingredients:
  • Cornmeal
  • All-purpose flour
  • Baking powder
  • Sugar
  • Salt
  • Milk
  • Eggs
  • Melted butter
• Instructions:
  Mix dry ingredients in a bowl. In another bowl, whisk milk, eggs, and melted butter. Combine wet and dry ingredients until smooth. Pour batter into a greased Dutch oven. Cover and bake over campfire coals, placing additional coals on the lid for even heat. Bake until a toothpick inserted comes out clean and the top is golden brown, about 25-30 minutes.

This cornbread is a perfect, beginner-friendly baking project for camping that pairs well with stews, chili, or grilled meats.

Dutch Oven Campfire Breakfast Burritos

This tasty breakfast burrito filling cooked in a cast iron Dutch oven is packed with eggs, sausage, peppers, and cheese.

It’s a quick and hearty meal that’s easy to prepare over a campfire, perfect for fueling up before a day of outdoor activities.

• Ingredients:
  • Breakfast sausage, cooked and crumbled
  • Eggs, beaten
  • Bell peppers, diced
  • Onion, chopped
  • Shredded cheese
  • Salt and pepper
  • Tortillas for serving
• Instructions:
  Brown sausage in the Dutch oven over campfire coals. Add onions and peppers and sauté until soft. Pour in beaten eggs and scramble with the sausage and vegetables until cooked through. Stir in cheese until melted. Season with salt and pepper. Serve warm with tortillas for wrapping.

This breakfast burrito filling is a convenient and satisfying campfire meal that’s easy to make and perfect for feeding a group.

Dutch Oven Campfire BBQ Chicken

This BBQ chicken recipe is perfect for campfire cooking in a cast iron Dutch oven.

The chicken simmers in a tangy barbecue sauce, becoming tender and flavorful with minimal effort.

The Dutch oven’s heat retention ensures even cooking, making it an ideal method for outdoor meals.

• Ingredients:
  • Chicken thighs or drumsticks
  • Barbecue sauce
  • Onion, sliced
  • Garlic, minced
  • Salt and pepper
• Instructions:
  Brown the chicken pieces in the Dutch oven over campfire coals. Remove chicken and sauté onion and garlic until softened. Return chicken to the pot and pour barbecue sauce over it. Cover with lid, nestle Dutch oven among coals, and cook for about an hour until chicken is cooked through and tender, stirring occasionally.

This dish offers campers a simple way to enjoy tender, flavorful BBQ chicken without the need for a grill, using just their Dutch oven and campfire.

Dutch Oven Campfire Vegetable Stew

This vegetable stew is a nutritious and warming camping meal that’s easy to prepare in a cast iron Dutch oven.

A medley of fresh vegetables simmers in a savory broth, making it a great option for vegetarian campers or those wanting a lighter dish.

• Ingredients:
  • Carrots, chopped
  • Potatoes, diced
  • Celery, sliced
  • Onion, chopped
  • Garlic, minced
  • Vegetable broth
  • Diced tomatoes
  • Herbs (thyme, bay leaf)
  • Salt and pepper
• Instructions:
  Heat Dutch oven over campfire coals. Sauté onion and garlic until fragrant. Add carrots, potatoes, celery, diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, and herbs. Stir and cover. Place Dutch oven among coals with some coals on the lid. Simmer for about an hour until vegetables are tender. Season with salt and pepper before serving.

This hearty vegetable stew is a perfect, easy-to-make camping meal that warms and nourishes after a day outdoors.

Dutch Oven Campfire Sausage and Beans

This simple sausage and beans recipe is a flavorful, filling meal for camping cooked easily in a cast iron Dutch oven.

Sausages brown nicely while beans simmer in a savory tomato sauce, creating a comforting one-pot dinner over the campfire.

• Ingredients:
  • Sausages (your choice)
  • Onion, chopped
  • Garlic, minced
  • Canned baked beans
  • Tomato sauce
  • Paprika
  • Salt and pepper
• Instructions:
  Brown sausages in the Dutch oven over campfire coals. Remove and sauté onion and garlic until softened. Return sausages to pot and add baked beans, tomato sauce, and paprika. Stir well, cover, and place Dutch oven among coals with some on top. Simmer for 30-40 minutes until heated through and flavors meld.

This recipe is a simple, crowd-pleasing camping meal that combines ease and taste, perfect for any outdoor cooking adventure.

Dutch Oven Campfire Beef Stroganoff

This classic beef stroganoff recipe is adapted for campfire cooking in a cast iron Dutch oven.

Tender beef strips simmer in a creamy mushroom sauce, served over noodles or rice for a comforting and satisfying meal after a day outdoors.

The Dutch oven ensures even cooking and helps meld the rich flavors perfectly.

• Ingredients:
  • Beef strips
  • Mushrooms, sliced
  • Onion, chopped
  • Garlic, minced
  • Beef broth
  • Sour cream
  • Flour
  • Butter
  • Salt and pepper
• Instructions:
  Brown the beef strips in the Dutch oven over campfire coals. Remove beef and sauté onions, garlic, and mushrooms until tender. Sprinkle flour over vegetables and stir well. Gradually add beef broth, stirring to thicken. Return beef to pot and simmer until cooked through. Stir in sour cream just before serving.

This stroganoff is a rich and creamy campfire meal that’s surprisingly easy to prepare and perfect for sharing around the fire.

Dutch Oven Campfire Vegetable Frittata

This vegetable frittata cooked in a Dutch oven is an easy, nutritious breakfast or brunch option for camping.

Eggs, cheese, and fresh vegetables combine to make a fluffy, flavorful dish that cooks evenly over campfire coals.

• Ingredients:
  • Eggs
  • Milk
  • Bell peppers, diced
  • Onion, chopped
  • Spinach or kale
  • Shredded cheese
  • Salt and pepper
• Instructions:
  Whisk eggs with milk, salt, and pepper. Sauté vegetables in the Dutch oven over campfire heat until softened. Pour egg mixture over vegetables and sprinkle cheese on top. Cover with the lid and cook over coals, with some coals on top, until eggs are set and the frittata is firm, about 20-30 minutes.

This recipe offers a simple and healthy start to your camping day with minimal prep and cleanup.

Dutch Oven Campfire Stuffed Peppers

Stuffed peppers cooked in a Dutch oven over a campfire make a flavorful and hearty meal.

Bell peppers filled with a savory mixture of ground meat, rice, and spices cook to tender perfection, infused with smoky campfire flavor.

• Ingredients:
  • Bell peppers, tops cut off and seeded
  • Ground beef or turkey
  • Cooked rice
  • Onion, chopped
  • Garlic, minced
  • Tomato sauce
  • Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper
• Instructions:
  Brown ground meat with onions and garlic in the Dutch oven over campfire coals. Stir in cooked rice, tomato sauce, and seasonings. Stuff mixture into bell peppers. Place stuffed peppers upright in the Dutch oven, cover with lid, and cook nestled among coals for about 45 minutes, until peppers are tender and filling is heated through.

This recipe provides a delicious, visually appealing meal that’s easy to prepare while camping, showcasing the versatility of the Dutch oven.

Dutch Oven Campfire Meatloaf

This classic meatloaf recipe adapts perfectly for campfire cooking in a cast iron Dutch oven.

Ground beef mixed with breadcrumbs, onions, and seasonings bakes into a tender, flavorful loaf with a delicious glaze on top.

The Dutch oven’s heavy lid helps keep the moisture in, producing a moist and satisfying meal after a day outdoors.

• Ingredients:
  • Ground beef
  • Breadcrumbs
  • Onion, finely chopped
  • Garlic, minced
  • Egg
  • Ketchup or BBQ sauce
  • Worcestershire sauce
  • Salt and pepper
• Instructions:
  Combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, onion, garlic, egg, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Shape into a loaf and place in the greased Dutch oven. Spread ketchup or BBQ sauce on top. Cover and bake over campfire coals, placing some coals on the lid as well, for about an hour until cooked through.

This meatloaf recipe is perfect for campers wanting a hearty, home-style meal that’s easy to prepare and cooks evenly in a Dutch oven.

Dutch Oven Campfire Mac and Cheese

This creamy mac and cheese is a crowd-pleaser that can be easily made in a cast iron Dutch oven over the campfire.

Pasta cooks in a cheesy sauce made with sharp cheddar and cream, creating a comforting, gooey dish that’s perfect for camping dinners.

• Ingredients:
  • Elbow macaroni
  • Butter
  • Flour
  • Milk
  • Cheddar cheese, shredded
  • Salt and pepper
• Instructions:
  Cook macaroni in the Dutch oven with water until just tender. Drain excess water, then make a roux by melting butter and stirring in flour. Gradually whisk in milk to form a sauce. Add shredded cheese and stir until melted. Mix cheese sauce with pasta, season with salt and pepper, and cook until heated through and creamy.

This recipe is a simple, comforting campfire meal that’s easy to customize with your favorite cheeses or add-ins.

Dutch Oven Campfire Apple Crisp

This warm apple crisp is an easy dessert to make in a Dutch oven while camping.

Tart apples baked with cinnamon and topped with a crunchy oat and brown sugar crumble create a delicious treat that’s perfect to enjoy around the campfire.

• Ingredients:
  • Apples, peeled and sliced
  • Brown sugar
  • Cinnamon
  • Rolled oats
  • Flour
  • Butter, melted
  • Nutmeg (optional)
• Instructions:
  Toss apple slices with brown sugar and cinnamon, then spread evenly in the Dutch oven. In a bowl, mix oats, flour, brown sugar, and melted butter to form a crumbly topping. Sprinkle topping over apples. Cover and bake over campfire coals, placing some coals on the lid, for about 45 minutes until apples are tender and topping is golden brown.

This dessert is a perfect sweet finish to any camping meal, showcasing the Dutch oven’s versatility even in outdoor cooking.

Dutch Oven Campfire Pulled Pork

This pulled pork recipe is ideal for camping, using a cast iron Dutch oven to slowly cook pork shoulder until tender and easy to shred.

Combined with smoky barbecue sauce, it makes a flavorful and satisfying meal perfect for sandwiches or wraps around the campfire.

• Ingredients:
  • Pork shoulder
  • Onion, sliced
  • Garlic, minced
  • Barbecue sauce
  • Salt and pepper
  • Olive oil
• Instructions:
  Season the pork shoulder with salt and pepper. Brown it in the Dutch oven over campfire coals with olive oil. Remove pork and sauté onion and garlic until soft. Return pork to the pot, add barbecue sauce, cover, and nestle the Dutch oven among hot coals with some coals on the lid. Cook low and slow for several hours until pork is tender enough to shred with forks.

This recipe is perfect for campers wanting a hearty, hands-off meal that yields tender, flavorful pulled pork with classic smoky barbecue taste.

Dutch Oven Campfire Fried Rice

This quick and easy fried rice recipe is perfect for campfire cooking in a cast iron Dutch oven.

Using leftover rice, vegetables, eggs, and soy sauce, it creates a tasty and satisfying one-pot meal that’s simple to prepare outdoors.

• Ingredients:
  • Cooked rice
  • Eggs
  • Mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, corn)
  • Onion, chopped
  • Soy sauce
  • Garlic, minced
  • Oil
• Instructions:
  Heat oil in the Dutch oven over campfire coals. Sauté onions and garlic until fragrant. Add mixed vegetables and cook until tender. Push veggies to the side and scramble eggs in the same pot. Stir in cooked rice and soy sauce, mixing everything together until heated through.

This fried rice recipe is a versatile camping dish that comes together quickly and can easily be customized with your favorite add-ins or proteins.

Dutch Oven Campfire Chicken and Rice

This comforting chicken and rice dish is perfect for cooking in a cast iron Dutch oven on a camping trip.

Juicy chicken pieces simmer with rice, vegetables, and broth, creating a flavorful and filling meal with minimal fuss.

• Ingredients:
  • Chicken thighs or breasts
  • Rice
  • Onion, chopped
  • Bell peppers, chopped
  • Garlic, minced
  • Chicken broth
  • Olive oil
  • Salt and pepper
• Instructions:
  Heat olive oil in the Dutch oven over campfire coals. Brown chicken pieces on all sides and remove. Sauté onions, garlic, and bell peppers until softened. Add rice and stir to coat. Return chicken to the pot and pour in chicken broth. Cover and cook over coals until rice is tender and chicken is cooked through, about 30-40 minutes.

This recipe offers campers a simple yet satisfying one-pot meal that’s easy to prepare and perfect for fueling outdoor adventures.

Dutch Oven Campfire Sausage Jambalaya

This classic Cajun jambalaya is a flavorful, easy-to-make meal perfect for cooking in a cast iron Dutch oven over a campfire.

It combines spicy sausage, rice, vegetables, and spices into a hearty one-pot dish that’s great for feeding a crowd outdoors.

• Ingredients:
  • Andouille sausage, sliced
  • Onion, bell pepper, and celery, chopped
  • Garlic, minced
  • Long-grain rice
  • Canned diced tomatoes
  • Chicken broth
  • Cajun seasoning
  • Olive oil
• Instructions:
  Heat olive oil in the Dutch oven over campfire coals. Brown the sausage, then add onion, bell pepper, celery, and garlic; sauté until softened. Stir in rice, diced tomatoes, chicken broth, and Cajun seasoning. Cover and simmer with coals on the lid and beneath for about 40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the rice is tender and liquid absorbed.

This jambalaya is a great way to enjoy bold, spicy flavors while camping, with easy cleanup and minimal prep.

Dutch Oven Campfire Beef and Potato Stew

This beef and potato stew is a classic camping meal cooked slowly in a cast iron Dutch oven.

Tender beef chunks, potatoes, carrots, and herbs simmer together to create a rich, warming stew perfect after a day in the outdoors.

• Ingredients:
  • Beef stew meat, cubed
  • Potatoes, peeled and chopped
  • Carrots, sliced
  • Onion, chopped
  • Garlic, minced
  • Beef broth
  • Worcestershire sauce
  • Thyme or rosemary
  • Salt and pepper
• Instructions:
  Brown beef in the Dutch oven over campfire coals. Remove and sauté onions and garlic. Return beef to pot and add potatoes, carrots, broth, Worcestershire sauce, and herbs. Cover and cook nestled among coals, with coals on the lid, for about two hours until beef is tender and vegetables are cooked through.

This stew is an easy, hearty meal that warms and nourishes campers, using simple ingredients and classic Dutch oven cooking techniques.

Conclusion

These 23+ cast iron Dutch oven camping recipes prove that cooking outdoors can be both simple and delicious. The Dutch oven’s ability to evenly distribute heat and retain moisture makes it the perfect tool for crafting hearty meals away from home. As you experiment with these recipes, you’ll find that campfire cooking becomes less of a chore and more of an enjoyable part of your adventure. From breakfasts to dinners and even desserts, this collection has something for every camper looking to elevate their outdoor cooking with easy, satisfying recipes.